Steam-wagon manufacturers are rather apt, at. times, to think that
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people have gone " petrol mad," and they, no doubt, feel the competition of the petrol vehicle very keenly. It seems to me that when the steam wagon is shod with rubber tire it is very hard to find its egos I. and the future development. I feel sure, lies in that direction. I was very much interested recently to learn from one of Messrs. Foden's representatives that one of their three-tonners, supplied to Bean's Express, had shown remarkable mileage. This wagon was shod with Dook-Swain tires, and the front pair had lasted for 20,000 miles. and the back tires 15.000. Weight does not seem to have such a wearing effect as the less-uniformly applied power of a petrol engine ; of course, the quality of road is an important feature, but this Bean's Express took in ail kinds and conditions, as its route covered that part of London from the City to Croydon and as far west as Twickenham. There is, it seems to me, every encouragement by this to fit up steamers with rubber tires, and obtain the increased pace and mileage.
Amongst the forthcoming events the Coronation Parade stands out boldly, and, considering the marvellous way in which it has been supported. I have no doubt a goodly proportion of the "powers that be" in commercial motoring will find their way down to Earl's Court, on Whit Monday ; it will be a unique sight, marking a distinct stage in the movement. The Commercial Motor Users Association are to be congratulated on their success ; so far, their chief trouble, as far as I can hear, is to find room for the drivers and their sisters and cousins and aunts to dine, but that difficulty will soon be got over, especially as they know in good time how many to expect, and fortunately also it is by now summertime. I have good reason to remember an Automobile Exhibition being opened. at Earl's Court, some years ago, in the depth of winter, and a particularly cold snap accompanied the (Telling ceremony and luncheon, They are essentially summer buildings at Earl's Court, and on that occasion, by the time we had reached the fish guests had donned their overcoats and even their hats, and. when the meat came up, although no doubt of English origin, it was by that time frozen solid. However, we are in for a hot spell now.
A week or two ago I made some references to the grand new premises of the Continental Tyre and Rubber Co., Ltd., and I know we have given photographs of the building and surrounding buildings; but mirabile dicta I have not indicated the exact address. To all whom it may concern then I desire to state that the domicile of the " Continental " is now situated at Thurloe Place, London, S.W., and, although I should like to pronounce my benediction in the language of the Fatherland, I must have re.. course to the Scottish " Lang may their him reek."